All That Glitters Ch. 01

Piercing grey-blue eyes looked back at her from a handsome face. She knew he was taking her measure even though he extolled a casualness about his movements. He never said a word but waited for her to speak.

When she realized just what and who Raymond Clark was, she lost all of the thunder she was about to unleash on him.

"Hello, I am Annette Liramor, Director of Operations for Liramor Holdings." She said offering her hand.

"Stephan's cousin?" Raymond asked her in a soft voice that still held authority.

Annette let her smile burst forth. It was her trademark. She knew she could wrap men, and women, around her little finger when she used that smile on them, but this time, she was genuinely happy to be recognized by the man. The smile was not faked in the least.

However, she was disappointed, and truth be told somewhat shocked, to see that the man didn't respond to it. It took another notch off her anger, unsettling her even more.

Damn, how this man could upset her! She thought. Maybe she could do something else though.

"I have something for you," She said turning to one of her people. The man stepped forward with a large hard case and placed it on the deck. It was obviously a military pattern hard case.

Raymond raised an eyebrow to Annette, but she just gave him her trademark smile and gestured to the case.

Curious, Raymond opened it and stood back. In the case, right on top, was the dress uniform of a TUSN Captain. He could see more below it that he recognized as an undress uniform and some jump suits.

Once again, he raised an eyebrow to Annette.

"We knew we were coming here, so stopped off at the TUSN Quartermaster at the Naval base on Liramor. We knew your approximate size from your latest medical evaluation," She told him.

Raymond closed the case and casually picked it up. "Let me get cleaned up and I will meet you in the Conference Room in a few minutes," he said.

Twenty minutes later, Fiona and her senior staff, Annette and her senior staff, were seated in the conference room waiting for Clark.

The door opened and something akin to a holo-vid star stepped into the room. Raymond Clark had changed into his dress uniform and found his personal accoutrements. The man who stood in the door was every inch the naval officer and war hero, and handsome enough to be a holo-vid star.

The dark dress uniform of the Space Navy was liberally sprinkled with medals and ribbons. His right shoulder held the patch of the TUSN Combat Engineering Corps, a silver coloured gauntleted fist holding an old fashion bomb with lit fuse, surmounted on half of a black space jumpers wings. The left shoulder held the patch of the Black Lightning Combat Engineers, a black lightning bolt on a gold shield.

On his right breast was a ship's crest, perhaps the last ship he had been posted to or had commanded, sitting proudly above his name.

Around his neck hung three of the highest awards that the Terran Union could give. They included the TU Medal of Honour, the Cross of Courage, and the Star of Bravery. Bars on the ribbons indicated that he had won the latter at least four times. What was even more impressive was a bar on the TUMH. Receiving that medal once was an accomplishment. Receiving it twice was unheard of.

The gold Star of a Commander, indicating that he had held commanded over men or a ship, sat high on his left breast. Below the star, was the gold "V" of a person who had volunteered for missions at least ten times.

Immediately below that were the black wings on gold background of a space jumper. People who jumped onto a planet from space, free falling for hours at a time before opening a chute only a few hundred meters from landing. It was a very risky undertaking, with up to fifteen percent of jumpers dying in combat jumps. Earning space jumper's wings was every combat soldiers dream. Wearing them meant you had survived at least one jump.

Then came the rows of medals. The medals included four campaign stars with several bars denoting his participation in battles on them. Almost all of the medals had the oak leaf cluster that indicated 'mentioned in dispatch' which signified that the bearer had done something noteworthy enough to be included in dispatches to headquarters. Bars on the medal indicated many of them being received multiple times. There was one row of six medals over another of ten.

Below the medals were ribbons listing the places where he had served, sometimes in the face of the enemy. There were four rows of ten.

Around his shoulder was the twisted gold and bronze braid of a senior liaison officer who was attached to support civilian authority.

At the bottom of the sleeves, on each wrist, were the four gold bars denoting the rank of Captain.

He wore highly polished military deck boots with the magnetic soles raised.

From behind him, a woman wearing a blue, miners jump suit stepped to his right and smiled at the group.

There was a brief silence while the senior personnel in the room took in the site of Capt. Clark in all his glory.

Fiona finally broke the silence. "Annette Liramor, I would like to introduce to you Miner Liea Samson, the second half and silent partner for Rockhound Raymond Clark, and of course I would like to introduce to all Capt. Raymond Clark of the Terran Union Space Navy Civilian Liaison Authority attached to this platform and Liramor Prime for the duration of the ongoing situation."

Liea and Raymond moved take up seats at the end of the conference table near Fiona.

"I think it would be wise to give the same brief to the Liramor Holdings staff that I presented to the senior staff of Liramor-23," Raymond said and began to repeat his debrief from the previous week. When he finished there was a vigorous round of questions including answering the necessity of informing the TUSN on the situation.

"You can't be serious," Raymond snapped at the person who asked that question. "First, as an officer in the TUSN, I was obliged to do so, even if I was not on active duty. Second, it is likely that LMC and Liramor Holdings would have considered their holdings in this system to be threatened if the TUSN came into the Piscium system. They might have not passed on the information to the relevant authorities."

The looks on several of the senior Liramor Holdings managers told Raymond that this was indeed a very plausible scenario.

"What you have to understand is that the other mining platform was completely destroyed, then left in place. The people who destroyed it had no interest in helping the miners on that platform nor making use of any of the platform's material. They wanted to punish them for whatever transgression they perceived them to have conducted here in system. If they are still around, they will likely do the same or attempt to do the same to this platform.

"We have some advantages over the alien platform. They were not armed. We have pulse cannons fore and aft on the platform. Yes, they need to be repaired and made ready for use, but we have them in place.

"We have some mines that can be used to good effect when we are ready to do so. It will be important to increase the number of mines available and that will mean bringing in material that we are quickly running out of.

"But most importantly, we need ships, naval ships that can and will protect this platform if needed. And I, for one, believe that that protection will be required.

"You have to understand that the view that mankind now has of space has irrevocably changed. We now know that there are at least two alien species out there, and that one of them attacked and destroyed a defenceless mining platform without hesitation or mercy. The presence of the TUSN in system is going to be required. As well as protecting the scientist they will provide for the investigation, the protection of this platform is paramount. We do not have all the resources needed to protect ourselves. We need the TUSN.

"I could not take the chance that Liramor Holdings would not endlessly debate the merits of informing the relevant authorities. And, under TUSN regulations, I had no choice in the matter. The relevant authorities, as well as the Local Authority, had to be informed," Raymond completed.

His comments sent up a row around the table that was immediately quashed when Annette stood.

"Enough. He is correct. We need to think ahead on this situation, not behind. We need to think how best to position Liramor Holdings to take what advantage we can for the immediate future. In this regard, Capt. Clark and Director Marsh have placed LMC in a position that will allow us the most leeway from the TUSN and its scientific teams," she said, starring down her staff.

"Give me a list of what equipment and material you will need to help defend this platform and it will be provided." She said looking at Capt. Clark.

"We sill send one supply ship a week. They will be needed to take the processed minerals from your rock which will definitely exceed the capacity of the monthly supply ship to return. If I were you Fiona, I would take advantage of those extra ships to restock platform stores and to bring in commercial items that might please the workers.

"We will find qualified personnel for the pulse cannons and ensure they are functional soonest. We will also make available more mining bots, newer ore survey vessels, and a new class of Rockhound vessels.

"Capt. Clark, I would like you to look at how these newer mining vessels could be armed. Anything that could help should be looked at. Considering how tightly stretched the TUSN is right now, still trying to tie up loose ends after the Terran Unification War, we may have need of our own armed vessels. Your input there would be appreciated.

"Fiona, I would like to take back with me some raw samples from the rock in question, as well as some of these amazing diamonds," she said with a smile. "If they have the same affect on senior personnel as they had on me, they will give me the opportunity to sell all that you have already brought to the table.

"Fiona, I want and your personal secretary, Capt. Clark, and my personal secretary to remain behind for a few more minutes. The remainder can go back to their posts," she concluded.

Fiona took control immediately and had her staff take all of the diamonds on the table and place them in prepared cases for travel. She also brought in some beverages and sandwiches.

The five people sat down on one corner of the table with drinks and food within reach. Annette was pleased that Fiona had thought of that as it had been some time since she last ate.

"I think that the agreements that the two of you have already hashed out will go a long way to place us in a good situation when the TUSN arrives in system. Good work there.

"I have to tell you Fiona, that your handling of the situation was not well received by senior management at Liramor Prime. But having been here and seen for myself, I think I can safely recommend that you remain in place as Director of Liramor-23. Possibly with an extension at the end of your term. Good work.

"I will leave my Senior Legal Officer for Liramor Holdings on platform until the end of the month. He is well versed at dealing with the TUSN and the TGA. He will be useful to you in the interim.

"In regard to that, Fiona, Rockhound Clark is right in that TU Regulatory Monitors will likely come with or shortly after the arrival of the TUSN in system. We will have to have contracts in place and modify existing safety protocols to be more in line with TU norms. We will provide legal assistance their as we have platforms elsewhere that interact more often with the RMs and can provide you with the known requirements that the RMs expect. I want those implement as quickly as possible.

"Capt. Clark. First of all, 'WOW', you do make a most imposing figure in full regalia. I would like some imagery if you don't mind, to show you off to the powers that be on Liramor Prime. We have really benefited from Stephan's influence since he retired from the Navy. Your presence here, your history with my cousin, your history with this company, and the claim you have provide are going to go a long way to mollifying those same powers. As they have me.

"Your work with Fiona to place this company in a co-operative position with the TUSN when they arrive in system is greatly appreciated by me personally and by Liramor Holdings senior management even if they will not admit that.

"Capt. Clark, do you have any idea of when we could expect TUSN ships to arrive?" She asked.

Raymond thought for a moment. "We could expect them in system as early as the end of next week if a vessel is available. Otherwise it will more likely be at the end of the month. I would suggest that if you have an FTL comms probe you could leave behind, I could establish contact with the closest Naval base and make arrangements to have daily comms between this platform and that base. That would help narrow down when to expect them."

"We have several Comms Probes available. I can leave one with the platform dedicated to you until a TUSN probe can be made available." Annette said. "Any other suggestions Capt.?"

"Yes. Don't implement all of the changes necessary on platform. Give the RMs something to find to squabble about. Nothing that would shut us down, or cause safety concerns, but something that would make all the work they will have to do here be proved worthwhile." He said with a smile.

Fiona looked at him and giggled.

"One other thing: Give Liea a tour of your yacht," he said with a smile.

"Sorry?" Annette replied.

"She's very rich, she may want to buy one," Raymond returned with a grin.

Fiona looked between the two of them and burst out laughing. It was such an unexpected comment.

Annette grinned in turn. "In that regard, I would like to extend an invitation to dine aboard the Liramor One to you Fiona, you Capt. Clark, and to Miner Liea Samson. Say 1900 hrs? The dress will be formal. Does Liea have anything that would be appropriate?" she asked.

"I doubt very much that she has anything that would be appropriate. I hope that Miner's Blue will not be a disappointment to you," Clark replied.

"We are almost the same height and size. I'm sure there is something in my wardrobe that she will find enticing and will fit her," Fiona offered.

Liramor One Corporate Yacht, Maintenance Bay One, Liramor-23

Liea walked into Bay One beside Fiona. She couldn't believe the hand that fortune had dealt her over the past week. Now dressed in one of Fiona's evening gowns, her hair just so, and her makeup made up as impeccably as possible they walked swiftly to the open hatch of the yacht. Inside they could see Raymond Clark, impeccably dressed in his formal navy mess uniform with miniature medals on his chest.

Raymond smiled at the two ladies as they stepped aboard. "I'm delighted to be in the presence of two such beautiful ladies," he said with a smile.

"Do you use that pick-up line often?" Liea asked but secretly happy that he had said what he did.

"Let him be, Liea," Fiona quipped. "If he wants to call us beautiful I, for one, am all for it."

"Just two?" another voice asked. They turned to see Annette standing in the inner hatch.

"I'm not sure I can protect myself from whiplash," Raymond said with a smile. "My head turning and spinning in different directions with you three ladies around."

"Now there is the smooth banter of a navy officer," Annette said with one of her trademark smiles. The ladies all laughed as Annette formally invited them onto the ship.

"This vessel seems to be based on the Tung-class Frigate," Raymond commented.

"Yes, there were plenty of them around after the war, so many were repurposed as personal or corporate yachts. Lately they are starting to use Fairling-class as they are being retired by the navy. The Fairling-class are larger than the Tung-class, and newer," Annette commented.

"How much does a yacht like this cost?" Liea asked.

Annette laughed softly, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it," She quipped. "Really though, a newly retired Fairling-class would be around C300 million purchased and another C100-200 million to refit as a yacht. The Liramor One was just shy of C280 million after its refit, but she served twelve years in the navy and now has eight years as a corporate yacht, so the ship has twenty years in space. She is built around an older version of the Tung-Class. We are looking at upgrading to one of the newer Fairling Class, possibly in two years.

"Don't worry about cost, you will be able to afford it and then some," Annette smiled at her.

They moved up to deck three and forward to the ship's bridge. The Officer of the Deck (OOD) called all to attention when Ms. Liramor entered, and gave Capt. Clark a crisp salute that showed his navy experience.

The bridge was on multiple levels, with the captain's chair set near the back and higher up so that he could view all the workstations. The Executive Officer's (Ex O) chair, now occupied by the OOD, was beside it.

Behind the captain's chair, in a separate windowed room, were several VIP chairs for guests to view bridge operations should they desire. Clark thought it wise to separate the VIPs from the ship's functions.

Operations was in a half-circle shaped depression below the command chair that held eight stations most now empty as the ship was docked.

A horseshoe-shaped walkway ran around the perimeter of Ops held several stations including the Comms station, ship's engineering station and the science station among others - stations that were not necessary to fly or fight the ship but information from which the captain might find useful.

At the front of the bridge was one of the largest holo-vid monitors that the guests had ever seen.

The ships Captain came from his office to greet the guests. He stopped short, his jaw dropping, when he saw Capt. Clark.

Liea asked several questions about the yacht and its operations that he handled with aplomb. He was in his element there, explaining his ship to a VIP that really didn't understand the workings of ships that well.

Clark asked some more pointed questions about the ship's capabilities, especially the jump capabilities with the larger vanes. He looked around the bridge and noticed two specific stations.

"Is this ship armed, Captain?" He asked pointedly.

"Armed, sir? This is a civilian ship, sir. We are not permitted to be armed," he replied deadpan.

Raymond looked at the two stations and smiled at the man not saying anything. He was certain the ship was indeed armed though likely not with guns, and quite heavily by the configuration of the stations he could see.

The tour moved out of the bridge, escorted by the ship's Number Two, who also acted as the Executive Officer as happened on smaller ships. A woman in her late thirties, she readily took charge of the group.

"The crew quarters are immediately behind the bridge on the second, third, and fourth level, with the exception of the ships engineers. Their quarters are in the aft section close to the engine room." She told them.

"These are my quarters, which are slightly larger than average." She opened the door to show them a neatly made room that had all the amenities that one would require, including a separate toilette area with sonic shower and other features. The room had a large 3D holo-vid monitor, a double bed that was just shy of queen size, locker for clothing, and a comfortable chair. A comms unit was tucked into the corner.

"Due to the size of the vessel, all members of the crew have their own if somewhat smaller quarters. As a naval vessel, Tung-Class Frigates bunked four crew to a room," she explained. "With the automation built into this ship during refit, we don't need the numbers that a navy ship would. Navy ships need the redundancy in personnel as well as ship's systems."